Pigeons live in cities and countryside around the world. The gray birds you often see near buildings are close relatives of wild rock doves.
Fun fact: Rock Pigeons nest on building ledges as well as cliffs.
A four-slide private lesson about What Makes Pigeons Special?
What Makes Pigeons Special?
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Pigeons are strong fliers. They can find their way back to a familiar home from many places, a skill people have noticed for a long time.
Fun fact: People have kept and bred pigeons for thousands of years.
Scientists study several clues pigeons may use for navigation, including sights and signals from the natural world. There is no need to pretend one clue explains every journey.
Fun fact: Homing pigeons can learn familiar landmarks along a route.
Watch a pigeon for a moment: it may bob its head as it walks, search carefully for food, or return to its nest. An ordinary-looking bird can still be remarkable.
Fun fact: Both pigeon parents help feed their chicks.